Golden sands, turquoise waters, effortless glamour — Devon at its most extraordinary.
There is a moment when you come over the final hill before Salcombe and the estuary opens up below you — all glittering water, golden sand and bobbing yachts — when you genuinely have to remind yourself you are still in England. Salcombe regularly tops polls as one of the most beautiful towns in Britain, and rightly so.
This is Devon at its most glamorous and also its most relaxed. The narrow streets of Fore Street and Island Street are packed with brilliant independent shops, galleries and restaurants. The beaches are exceptional. The sailing is world-class. And the seafood — particularly the local crab — is some of the finest you will find anywhere in the country.
And remember — if you’d like us to arrange anything during your stay, from watersports hire and boat trips to restaurant reservations and the famous gin blending experience, just ask. We’re here to make every detail feel effortless.
Getting Your Bearings
Salcombe sits at the southern tip of the Kingsbridge Estuary, one of the most beautiful drowned river valleys in England. The town is compact and best explored on foot, with most activity centred on Fore Street and the waterfront. The nearest train station is at Totnes, about 45 minutes by road. Parking in Salcombe in summer is very limited — use the Park and Ride on the outskirts of town, or better still arrive by water.
💡 Local Tip: The South Sands Ferry runs between Whitestrand in the town centre and South Sands beach. It’s a lovely little harbour trip in its own right and saves the walk, setting the tone for the day perfectly.
Beaches & The Estuary
Salcombe is blessed with an outstanding collection of beaches, each with its own distinct character.
North Sands
The closest beach to the town centre — broad, sandy and safe, with shallow water ideal for families. The famous Winking Prawn café sits right at the top of the beach and is a brilliant spot for lunch. Fresh crab sandwiches and excellent coffee overlooking the sand.
South Sands
Reachable by the South Sands Ferry or a pleasant coastal walk, South Sands is a sheltered and beautiful bay with calm waters, watersports hire and the excellent South Sands Hotel and restaurant just above the shore.
💡 Local Tip: Take the ferry to South Sands and walk back to town along the coast path for the finest views of the estuary and the open sea beyond. It takes about 45 minutes and is one of our favourite Salcombe walks.
East Portlemouth
Take the passenger ferry from the town centre across the estuary and you reach East Portlemouth — a gorgeous sandy stretch with rockpools and calm water that feels a world apart despite being just a five-minute crossing. Dogs welcome all year.
Soar Mill Cove
A short drive or footpath walk from Salcombe — utterly unspoilt, dramatic and peaceful. This is the kind of beach that makes you want to stay for the rest of the afternoon. The Soar Mill Cove Hotel above the beach serves excellent food.
Attractions & Experiences
Overbeck’s Garden & Museum
A National Trust property perched on the cliffs above South Sands, with one of the most spectacular settings of any garden in England. Subtropical plants thrive in Salcombe’s mild microclimate, and the views over the estuary from the terraces are breathtaking. The museum inside the house holds a charming collection of curiosities. Allow at least two hours.
💡 Local Tip: Visit Overbeck’s in early summer when the gardens are at their most spectacular, and arrive early to get the National Trust car park.
Salcombe Gin Distillery
Award-winning gin distilled on Island Street, with tours, tastings and a blend-your-own gin experience. Sample a superb G&T overlooking the water, take home a bottle you’ve made yourself, or simply browse the beautifully designed shop.
Devon Rum Co.
Another excellent local producer with rum tasting experiences and a well-stocked shop on Island Street. A great complement to a visit to Salcombe Gin.
Salcombe Maritime Museum
A free-entry museum covering Salcombe’s extraordinary seafaring history, from Bronze Age shipwrecks and the fruit schooner trade to wartime exploits and local smuggling stories. Surprisingly absorbing and an excellent rainy-day option.
South West Coast Path — Bolt Head
The section of coast path south from South Sands to Bolt Head via Starehole Bay is one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire 630-mile path. The walk from South Sands to Bolt Head and back takes about three hours and is one of the finest coastal walks in Devon.
Start Point Lighthouse
About 30 minutes by car from Salcombe. The dramatic headland at Start Point is one of the most striking coastal landscapes in Devon, with the Victorian lighthouse standing at the very tip. Guided tours run in season and on a clear day the views extend to the Eddystone Rock.
Sailing & Watersports
Salcombe Harbour is one of the finest sailing waters in the country — sheltered, scenic and always busy in summer. Salcombe Watersports and several other local operators offer dinghy hire, sea kayak tours, paddleboarding and sailing tuition from the town waterfront.
💡 Local Tip: Early morning paddleboarding on the inner estuary before the sailing traffic builds is a magical experience. The water is mirror-calm and the light is beautiful.
Eating & Drinking
Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel’s restaurant is one of the finest settings for dinner in the area, with panoramic views across the estuary and a menu built around local seafood and Devon produce. The spa is also excellent for a day’s pampering.
The Winking Prawn
A Salcombe institution on the sand at North Sands. Simple, brilliant food — fresh local fish, crab sandwiches, fantastic chips, excellent coffee. Best enjoyed at an outside table with the beach right in front of you.
Salcombe Dairy
The essential ice cream stop. Everything is made on the premises using local cream and milk, in flavours that change with the seasons. Clotted cream vanilla is the benchmark.
Pubs & Bars
The Victoria Inn — a proper Devon pub with excellent local ales and a genuine warm welcome.
The Fortescue Inn — popular with sailors and locals alike, with a lovely garden perfect for summer evenings.
Salcombe Gin Bar on Island Street — for cocktails overlooking the water, this is a superb spot to end the day.
Day Trips from Salcombe
Dartmouth — About 45 minutes by road, or reachable by seasonal boat services. Dartmouth Castle, the medieval waterfront and The Seahorse restaurant make it a superb day out.
Burgh Island — One of Devon’s most extraordinary destinations — a tidal island off Bigbury-on-Sea accessible by sea tractor at high tide. The Art Deco hotel is legendary, the views are magnificent.
Kingsbridge — Just 20 minutes by road to the market town at the head of the estuary. Good independent shops, an excellent farmers market and the historic Cookworthy Museum.
Start Point — Follow the coast road to one of the most dramatic headlands in Devon, with the lighthouse at its tip and views across to Eddystone.
Our Local Tips
- Use the Park and Ride in summer — driving into central Salcombe in July and August is not worth the stress
- Take the South Sands Ferry both ways on a first visit — it gives the best introduction to the estuary
- Visit East Portlemouth on a weekday morning — you can have the beach almost to yourself
- Book the Salcombe Gin blending experience well in advance — it fills up quickly in summer
- The Friday evening sailing races on the estuary are free to watch from the waterfront and are a lovely local tradition
- Overbeck’s Garden is at its best in May and June — go early in the day before the car park fills
- Fresh crab from the local fishermen at the harbour is the definitive Salcombe lunch — buy it in the morning
We Can Arrange It For You
If there’s something you’d like to do, see, eat or experience during your stay in Salcombe, just ask. We can help arrange: the Salcombe Gin blending experience, Overbeck’s Garden tickets, dinner at the Salcombe Harbour Hotel, paddleboard and kayak hire, sailing days, boat trips to East Portlemouth and much more.
There’s no obligation and no booking fee. Get in touch at hello@thehostingcompany.uk or call us on 01803, and we’ll take care of it.
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